Friday, July 22, 2016

Western media's twisted view of failed coup, aftermath

Articles in Western media mischaracterize the state of emergency, ignore FETO's threat to democracy

ANKARA

Several articles in Western media outlets appear to have mischaracterized the July 15 coup attempt as well as the measures since taken by the Turkish government.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Wednesday night a nationwide three-month state of emergency after the failed coup, which martyred hundreds of people and injured over 2,100 others.

In an article posted on the BBC website, reporter Mark Lowen reflected incorrect assumptions about the state of emergency, claiming that Erdogan and the Cabinet would be able to enact laws bypassing parliament.

In fact, according to the Turkish Constitution, in the event of a declaration of a state of emergency for a period of maximum 6 months under Articles 119 and 120, the decision is published in the Official Gazette and immediately submitted to parliament for approval.

The Cabinet chaired by the president can pass a decree law in areas where the state of emergency requires it. Those decree laws are also submitted for parliament's approval.

Parliament also has the power to alter the duration of the state of emergency, extend the period for a maximum of four months at a time at the Cabinet’s request, or simply lift it.

In another article posted on July 20 by Paul Kirby headlined "Turkey coup attempt: Who's the target of Erdogan's purge?" the BBC suggests that the mass suspension of civil servants following the failed putsch may be aimed at "weeding out opponents from Western media's twisted view of failed coup, aftermath: